Active from:
2006
Role:
Music
Specialism:
Symphonic Wind Band
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland is comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and is one of 14 Regular Army Bands in the British Army. Based in Edinburgh, its main tasks include supporting the British Army at ceremonial occasions that occur in Scotland, including Garden Parties, State Banquets and Guards of Honour at The Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, and Balmoral.
The Regiment boasts a musical legacy stretching back directly to the days of Mozart. Even though the Scottish soldier is inextricably linked with the imagery of pipes and drums, they have a long tradition of marching with military bands; as early as 1763 there is mention of a band of music in the Royal Regiment of Foot, which latterly became The Royal Scots, antecedents of the current First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The band continues to assert itself as a leader within the world of military music, routinely featuring as a mainstay of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. As a result, it is in constant demand for festivals in diverse locations across the globe, such as Hong Kong and Switzerland. The band has established a name for diversity and boasts The Royal Corps of Army Music’s only Ceilidh capability.
The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Herrick 15. The mission was to provide troop morale support in the form of musical activities over the Remembrance, Christmas and Hogmanay period.
The Royal Corps of Army Music can offer full time employment as a musician within the British Army. A pensionable career potentially to the age of 60. Fantastic travel opportunities with the chance to perform at great venues and events around the world.
The Royal Corps of Army Music is interested in your performance and potential rather than just music qualifications.
Not all musicians have recognised musical qualifications so you may be able to join us based on merit at audition. If you have the required skills or can demonstrate you have the potential we are looking for, we can help maximise your musical development. Interested? Please get in touch here.
Lance Corporal Lekai Lee
Lance Corporal Lekai Lee started his musical journey by first playing the violin, but soon discovered a love for drums and all things percussion. He studied Music Performance at Drumtech, London (now part of the BIMM group). Whilst there, he was privileged to study under Dave Imby, Sebastiaan De Krom, and Bosco De Oliveira to name a few.
Joining the British Army in 2015, LCpl Lee enjoyed his musical training at Kneller Hall, improving his ability as a percussionist under Gerald Kirby and upon completion was assigned to The Band of The Household Cavalry. Having fulfilled his ambition to be a mounted drummer, LCpl Lee moved to The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2020. LCpl Lee said "being a percussionist in The Band of The Household Cavalry provided me with the honour of riding the drum horse in front of Her Majesty The Queen as part of The Queen's Birthday Parade. It was an incredible experience that will live with me forever. Being name checked by Huw Edwards on the BBC coverage was an unexpected bonus!" LCpl Lee also had the privilege of performing at other high profile events such as Horse of the Year Show in the NEC, Royal Windsor Horse Show, and the BBC VJ Day 75 commemoration.
Moving to The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, LCpl Lee continued to have opportunities to perform in front of royalty and at iconic locations such as the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle. He is looking forward to performing as part of the stage band for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2022.
A particular highlight was being part of a Short-Term Training Team to Jordan, where LCpl Lee and a small group of colleagues worked with the Jordanian Armed Forces Band. It was a particularly rewarding trip for the team, assisting military musicians in another country, experiencing a different culture and even managing to fit in some sightseeing during their downtime.
Aside from percussion, LCpl Lee is a keen rock climber - a skill that the Army has provided many opportunities to develop on Adventurous Training trips. Adventurous Training is something LCpl Lee is passionate about, and in his short time in the job, he has enjoyed making the most of opportunities to ski, mountain bike, and even parachute.
I love that I have had many opportunities to perform at high profile events.
